NCT05919849 · Yale University
Supporting Parents in Affirming Their Children's Experiences of Stigma
(SPACES)
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to develop and test two brief online writing interventions to improve parental acceptance of sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) in the Southeast United States.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to develop and test two brief online writing interventions to improve parental acceptance of sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) in the Southeast United States.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Brief online writing intervention
Participants will be instructed to write for 20 minutes across 3 consecutive days. They will be writing based on the prompts given to them.
OTHER
Control condition
Participants will be instructed to write in order to control for time and writing engagement.
Primary outcome measures
Change in Parents' Rejecting and Supportive Behaviors Measured By the Parent Non-Acceptance Scale
Time frame: Baseline, 5 Days Post-Baseline, and 3 Months Post-Baseline
The 10-item Parent Non-Acceptance Scale is a self-reported instrument assessing positive and negative indicators of parental acceptance of their SGMY. Parents report level of agreement on a scale from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 6 (Strongly Agree), with a higher score on negative indicators representing a higher level of non-acceptance and a higher score on positive indicators representing a lower level of non-acceptance.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Parents are eligible if they meet the following criteria:
- Be a parent, grandparent, or any other family member who considers themselves a guardian of an SGMY between 15-29 years old,
- Live in the Southeast United States (Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Florida),
- Identify as heterosexual and cisgender, and
- Report non-acceptance of their SGMY.
- SGMY are eligible if they meet the following criteria:
- Self-identify as SGM,
- Are 15-29 years old,
- Live in the Southeast United States, and
- Have a parent enrolled in the trial
Exclusion criteria
- Any individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
- Active mania, psychosis, or suicidality, and
- Unable to provide informed consent.
Where
- New Haven, Connecticut
- College Park, Maryland
- Nashville, Tennessee
Collaborators
University of Maryland, Vanderbilt University, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jan 9, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations